barefoot city girl

While in Frankfurt, Dan and I took a day trip to Heidelberg. Our bus left at 6 in the morning, and that proved to be a really rather early start to our day. We got the front seat on the second floor of the double-decker, and I thought I would watch the countryside go by. Instead I definitely fell asleep. Regardless, we made it to the town of Heidelberg. We walked through the modern section and into the old town. It is a gorgeous town, and I loved finding all the hidden little details, and seeing the statues perched on building corners. At the far end of town is a steep hill, and perched on top of it is Heidelberg Castle. It is mostly in ruins after different waves of destruction, including lightning strikes and the 30 Years War. It is free to walk the large grounds and gardens, which are beautiful and offer stunning views of the town and river below. For an entrance fee you can visit the inner courtyard and take a tour of what structures still stand or have been rebuilt. Our tour guide was very passionate, and I enjoyed learning about the castle and it's history. One of its occupiers, Frederick V, accepted the crown of Bohemia from the Protestants, against the will of the Holy Roman Empire and thus started the 30 Years War. All in all, the city and castle made a great day trip from Frankfurt, and we were back just in time for dinner.